A couple of things stuck out to me from this Psalm. First, have you ever asked, “If I’m saved no matter what, why does my behavior matter?” I know I have asked that question, especially during my younger days when I wanted to behave in ways that did not align with Christ. Verses 6 and 7 of this Psalm provide some insight into the answer to that question.
In these verses, David is asking that his actions are not shameful to the larger community of believers and that those who seek the Lord would not be “confounded because of me.” This is a prayer I definitely need to say more and all Christians should have in their hearts. What we do and say matters. We are representatives of Christ all the time, especially when there are nonbelievers around. I know I have brought shame to the Christian religion by touting my faith while engaging in sinful behavior- and for that I repent. That behavior can be confounding to a nonbeliever. My very good friend (who has gone through a period of questioning her sexuality) asked me once after having a conversation with another Christian, “How can Christians say they love everyone and God loves everyone but also say they hate gay people?” (For the record, I do not hate gay people- I try not to hate at all). This other Christian she spoke to confounded her and pushed her farther away from God. We have all done this to a nonbeliever in our lives and that’s why it’s important to pray the prayer that David did in verses 6 and 7 of this Psalm. That’s the answer to the question, “why does our behavior matter if we are saved no matter what?” We are saved no matter what but we are also representatives of Christ all the time and need to be mindful of that.
Therefore, may God bless is un our lives and give us the ability to be true representatives of His love, grace, mercy, etc. and not be a source of confusion or hypocrisy that draws people away from God.
Another thing that stuck out to me were verses 22-28. David is wishing horrible things onto his enemies. Thank goodness humans are not tasked with judging the world! This is a great example of our iniquities as humans- hate, anger, and vengeance. But, verse 33 says, “The Lord hears the poor, and does not despise His prisioners.” God will rule with grace, mercy, and love; which is so much better than a human (even David) could do.
God, today I repent of all the times I have brought shame to You and other Christians and the times I have confounded nonbelievers and pushed them away from You. May You please bless me with the ability to be a pure example for You and bring people to You. Also, thank You for being in charge, and not placing a human in charge. We are unfit and would bring destruction. Thank You for being a just God who rules with love and mercy. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Living Life with Jesus 